Rumor: Microsoft’s folding phone may still be on the way, but it won’t run Windows

With actual actual-existence folding telephones being announced, in a few ways, Microsoft’s very own folding telephone has never been both nearer and similarly away. The idea of a tool that turns from a smartphone right into a tablet is appearing on actual cabinets in the following couple of weeks, however, we’re listening to increasing rumors that Microsoft’s Andromeda shell is largely shelved.

Weighing in on the difficulty is Steven Troughton-Smith, who’s well known in the old iPhone hacking community. He notes on Twitter that Andromeda is a legacy product tied to Windows Mobile and is no longer in the conversation:

Andromeda is a legacy product. I don't get the impression it will ship, anymore. It was too tied to Windows Mobile & its UI

— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) February 22, 2019

Similarly, the WC’s Zac Bowden is likewise suggesting that Andromeda is on the returned burner, but also suggests that the hardware may nevertheless deliver jogging the new Lite OS.

No. Andromeda device is still in the works. It just doesn't run Andromeda OS anymore. It will likely run Windows Lite instead

— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) February 22, 2019

According to Zac Bowden Lite OS isn’t always Windows, pronouncing;

Windows Lite isn’t a lesser model of Windows; it’s a completely new OS revel in designed for lightweight computing. It likely won’t even be called Windows because of this.

In his podcast these days, Brad Sams notes:

“It does do away with Live Tiles, flat accessory colorings are commonly long past. Windows Lite appears familiar… but it does not explicitly bear in mind Windows. Think about Chrome OS, and how you will make it a Microsoft look. It’s quite close.”

We have heard, thru ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, that the OS will though run Windows software, possibly in boxes. On the other hand, we have also heard that Lite OS could have a heavy emphasis on internet apps, similar to Chromebooks.

I suspect Microsoft may additionally be too formidable with Andromeda and decided to start over with a stripped-lower back OS rather. As is often the case, Microsoft’s hardware chops might also have passed its software program skills.

While Lite OS can be contemporary, Microsoft’s dual-screened Andromeda hardware is now starting to appear dated whilst actual in-marketplace gadgets can have right bendy screens. Should Microsoft still trouble? Let us know below.